As cooler weather returns and light rains begin, fall provides an ideal window to replace your lawn with a more sustainable landscape. The soil remains warm enough for root growth, and early rainfall helps new plants establish with less irrigation. It’s also when many customers begin their lawn transformation projects with support from Marin Water’s Cash for Grass program, which provides a cash incentive of nearly $5 per square foot of lawn replaced. 

But why let go of your lawn? 

Lawns are a landscape feature borrowed from regions with far more rainfall. Here in Marin, our Mediterranean climate brings long stretches of hot, dry weather, which means lawns require significantly more water to stay green outside the rainy season. If you barely used your lawn this summer but your irrigation system was running full tilt, it might be time to consider a more sustainable landscape – for your benefit and for the long-term health of our local water supply. 

More than 730 customers have participated in Marin Water’s Cash for Grass program, on average, transforming around 875 square feet of lawn from their landscapes. While actual water savings vary by site, we know that lawns typically require up to four times more water than climate-appropriate shrubs and perennials. These projects are helping the community make steady, long-term gains in outdoor water efficiency, which is something that will matter even more as we face future droughts. 

More than water savings 

For individual property owners who’ve made the change, lawn replacement isn’t just about reducing water use either. It’s a chance to rethink how outdoor space is used. Many past Cash for Grass participants have created functional and inviting landscapes, including: 

• Pollinator gardens with native flowering plants
• Permeable paths and seating areas using gravel, mulch, or pavers
• Edible gardens with fruit trees and herbs
• Outdoor living spaces for relaxation or gathering 

What you grow or build in place of your lawn can add both beauty and utility to your landscape, whether you have a large lot or a modest yard. So this fall season, consider letting your lawn go to make way for something better to grow! Get started on our Cash for Grass webpage.